Passive propagation fractal antenna for intrabody transmissions

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless signal transmission are described. A fractal antenna may be utilized to wirelessly communicate with a transmitter implanted within or located external to the patient. The fractal antenna may be implanted within the patient and may be coupled with a lead also implanted within the patient. The characteristics of the fractal antenna may allow for enhanced data transmission between the antenna and the transmitter while reducing the need for implanted wires to connect the transmitter and leads.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for wireless signal transmission, comprising:
 a fractal antenna configured to be affixed cranially on a patient, wherein the fractal antenna comprises a first portion and a second portion each having one or more antenna elements of a first geometry and one or more antenna elements of a second geometry that is different than the first geometry, wherein an antenna element pattern of the first portion is symmetric with an antenna element pattern of the second portion with respect to a first central axis of the fractal antenna, and wherein an antenna element pattern of a first subset of the first portion is symmetric with an antenna element pattern of a second subset of the first portion with respect to a second central axis of the fractal antenna that is perpendicular to the first central axis of the fractal antenna; 
 one or more leads coupled with the fractal antenna and configured for implantation in the patient, wherein the one or more leads are configured to deliver an electrical or electromagnetic signal to the patient; and 
 a transmitter in wireless communication with the fractal antenna, wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal relating to the electrical or electromagnetic signal to the fractal antenna, wherein the one or more leads are configured to deliver the electrical or electromagnetic signal to the patient based at least in part on the fractal antenna receiving the control signal. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a central processing unit (CPU) coupled with the fractal antenna, wherein the CPU is configured to process the received control signal. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more leads are further configured to receive biometric data associated with the patient. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the CPU is configured to process the biometric data associated with the patient for transmission via the fractal antenna. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the CPU is configured to authenticate the transmitter and the fractal antenna based at least in part on receiving the control signal. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the CPU comprises a radio frequency (RF) chip, and wherein the control signal comprises a RF signal. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the RF chip is configured to convert the RF signal into a power source or an energy source for the fractal antenna, the one or more leads, or both. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical or electromagnetic signal is configured for deep brain stimulation. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fractal antenna comprises circuitry that is configured to power on based at least in part on receiving the control signal from the transmitter. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is configured for subcutaneous implantation. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fractal antenna comprises a flexible structure. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus for wireless signal transmission, comprising:
 a fractal antenna configured to be affixed cranially on a patient, wherein the fractal antenna comprises a first portion and a second portion each having one or more antenna elements of a first geometry and one or more antenna elements of a second geometry that is different than the first geometry, wherein an antenna element pattern of the first portion is symmetric with an antenna element pattern of the second portion with respect to a first central axis of the fractal antenna, and wherein an antenna element pattern of a first subset of the first portion first subset is symmetric with an antenna element pattern of a second subset of the first portion with respect to a second central axis of the fractal antenna that is perpendicular to the first central axis of the fractal antenna; and 
 one or more leads coupled with the fractal antenna and configured for implantation in the patient, wherein the one or more leads are configured to deliver an electrical or electromagnetic signal to the patient based at least in part on control signals received by the fractal antenna. 
 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more leads are further configured to receive biometric data associated with the patient and communicate the biometric data to the fractal antenna. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the fractal antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit feedback associated with the electrical or electromagnetic signal. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more leads are configured for intercranial implantation in the patient. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the fractal antenna and the one or more leads each comprise a bio-inert coating. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the fractal antenna is configured to receive a multi-band or wide-band radio frequency (RF) signal. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the fractal antenna comprises at least one self-similar design.